Okay so here goes, I must warn you the latter half of this chapter pushes the boundaries of the T rating so if you don't like that sort of thing then perhaps you shouldn't read on.

I guess it is obviously that this probably isn't safe for work or public reading, just in case.

Disclaimer: These characters continue to elude my ownership.

Elsie emerged from the bathroom to find Charles with his back to her and setting the table.

He does have a nice bum.

''I hope you don't mind but I thought I would get started before the food arrived''

''I'm hardly going to protest to not having to do the work. By the way, what did you end up ordering?''

''Now where is the surprise in that?'' He grinned.

He gets the cutest dimples when he smiles, oh calm yourself schoolgirl.

A knock at the door saved her blushes. Charles opened the door to William who wheeled in a cart full of domed dishes.

''Mr. Crawley was downstairs and when he asked me where you were, I told him I was bringing up food for you so he said to tell you that this can be marked up as expenses since the mess that the fire caused and that he wants to have a meeting with you two tomorrow afternoon to discuss how you are going to deal with the dinner, he didn't elaborate so I hope you understand. He was in a terrible rush. Oh he also said to give you on a bottle of champagne because he had planned on having it himself but he had to go and deal with something that had come up at the last minute. I suppose you are benefitting from his bad and I'm rambling, aren't I? Daisy says I do that too much'' He was met with laughter from his two seniors.

''Don't worry, William. You had a lot to remember. Thank you for bringing this up, now I presume you are finishing up for the evening. Be careful with yourself tonight'' Elsie smiled at him; he was like an adorable little pup when he was nervous about making a mistake.

''Yeah I am so I'll wish you both a goodnight. Also Mr. Carson, I got that thing you wanted. Night, enjoy'' and with that he was gone.

''Are you going to tell me since he left very fast which considering he does not like to let me down, I'm presuming you two are ganging up on me''

''There's no need to presume the worst. Now shall we sit down to some lobster, I thought we should indulge a little since it has been such a stressful week''

''I don't mind what we start with as long I get to crack open that champagne. I wonder why he got called away?''

''None of that tonight''

''None of what?''

''That worrying about others. I want to share some nice food and wine with you to make up for the all the worry you had to deal with this week''

Gosh, he really does know what to say.

''Fine and since you are paying me back, do you want to play waiter?''

''I'll play whatever you want''

This is definitely going to be an interesting evening.

The pair sat down and fell into easy conversation over the sumptuous meal.

''You certainly ordered enough food. I think I may have to concede that Beryl knows what she is doing but don't tell her I said that?''

''Oh I wouldn't dare!''

They both laughed and then a very intense silence fell between the two. Elsie could feel a very familiar heat rising in herself as he looked at her.

''Um, I guess it is time for your surprise?''

Why the hell was he not as flustered as I feel?

Charles lifted the dome on the final dish to reveal a beautiful chocolate brownie cake with icing sugar all over it.

''That looks gorgeous''

''I was hoping you'd like it''

Elsie hesitated with her response.

Go for it, you know what you want to say.

''How about we bring this over to the couch cause I think my back would appreciate a cosy cushion.''

''Sounds good. Although I'll dish up some cake for you but I think I'll stick with the champagne because I'm not big on dessert''

''Not big on dessert? What is this heresy you speak of?''

Elsie made herself comfy at one end of the sofa and then Charles joined her but he sat far enough away so they weren't touching.

''Well speaking of heresy, how are you still wearing those shoes?''

''You shouldn't have spoiled me earlier in the week with your foot massaging skills''

''Oh really! I guess I'm just going to have to keep it up then! Up with your feet then''

''You'll have to move a little closer. I'm not as tall as you, you know''

Elsie knew she was elaborating a little but she wanted him to budge up beside her. He did as he was told, with a little smirk betraying his opinion on the matter. Elsie, trying to be a least a little more seductive and a little less aging lady with throbbing feet, slipped her feet out of her shoes on onto his lap. As he began his gentle ministrations, she tried to pretend her little moans of appreciation were for the cake.

''You know I'm very glad you are not a dessert man. It means all the more for me.''

Either she was imaging it or his massages were getting a little more intense.

''Well you deserve it after the few days you've had. I really am sorry for dumping you in it. Although
I think it was lucky I was not here when that American started to hassle you. I'm not always best at hiding my temper.''

''I don't exactly need you to protect, I have survived very well on my own'' She left her plate down and went to move her feet but he was quicker than her and held her ankles.

She let out a gasp in surprise.

''Calm down for a minute, as I much I like making you lose yourself in temper, I think it's time we talked without either of us going off in a huff. Don't you?''

He gently began his massaging again; this time going along her ankle as well.

''Well I clearly don't have much choice in the matter.''

He let go of her completely.

Oh I didn't mean it, She couldn't bring herself to say it out loud, yet.

''The choice is all yours, I would never make you do something against your will and I resent the implication, I thought we knew each other a little better at this stage, so if you want to move your feet and let me go, that's fine.''

His tone was angry but she could see the hurt in his eyes. She couldn't stand it so she looked down at her lap and responded with her voice barely a whisper.

''I enjoy when you massage my feet, it..it makes me feel special and I know you would never do anything like that,'' He slowly began rubbing her feet but let her continue, ''it's just I don't know whether I'm coming or going with you, I mean you can make me so mad but I really missed not seeing you the last few days, I just don't know what to do, I mean this job has been a revelation to me, it got me away from bad memories, gave me the challenge I wanted and I don't want to jeopardise it''

The tears she had been holding back for the last few days finally began to fall. In one foul swoop, he lifted her onto his lap and held her against his chest. She stiffened in surprise but settled into his warmth. This felt so right and yet Elsie didn't want to lose the job that had changed her life. She couldn't stop herself crying but Charles began rubbing small circles along her back.

''Elsie, if I'm honest this is not how I had planned for our evening together. Everything seems to have gone a bit awry tonight but maybe this was the bit we needed to get out there before we can move forward. I don't think you realise how much Robert thinks of you and he has made a big point of telling me how well he thinks we work together. I sort of think he saw something between us that I had tried to deny. I mean even Richard, after meeting you once, made a point of saying how much of a besotted schoolboy I became around you.''

Elsie had stopped crying but could only hold her breath in response.

''Elsie, I have wanted you since you walked through the doors of this place but I didn't think it could go anywhere. Now, after all this time, I can't deny it any more'' He gently tilted her face up to look at him ''I love you''

That was it. Elsie closed the distance between and kissed her with the passion she could muster. When they pulled apart, she was happy to see he was breathless as she was. As he opened his eyes, she couldn't contain the laughter that bubbled over. He quirked his eyebrow.

''Something funny?'

''No, I'm just happy''

''Well it suits you''

This time he closed the distance between them. He slowly began kissing along her jaw and down her neck as his hands cupped her bottom, giving it a gentle squeeze. This time Elsie didn't hold back her moans. This seemed to spur him on as his kisses and caresses became more and more heated.

''Charles..'' She breathed; her Scottish burr out in force.

''Oh I do like it when you say my name like that.''

He went to continue his exploration of her but she put her lips to his ear.

''As much I like what you are doing, I prefer it if you were to take me to bed.''

''Are you sure?''

Oh gosh, I really got to him.

''Certain''

She went to move off his lap but again he was too quick for her. Keep a firm hold on her bottom, he rose from the couch, bringing her with him.

''You really are strong''

She wrapped her arms around his neck and placed gentle kisses along his jaw line.

When they entered the room, he let her down, standing beside the bed.

He won't even lay me down on the bed, God I can be such a bitch sometimes.

''Charles, before we do this, I want you to know, that I would never think you would do anything against my will, now sit down before I have to go get those heels to help rectify the height issue'' She hoped joking would hide the nerves in her voice.

As he sat, he pulled her into a heated kiss but slowly pulled back and let her take the lead once again. She fumbled with the buttons on his shirt but managed to push it off his shoulders. As she took him in, he took her by surprise and pulled her down onto his lap. She could feel him pull at the tie on her dress and let him push it off her but couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye. This was the moment he would get to see what had scared Joe away.

''Elsie, look at me''

Tentatively she faced him.

''You are beautiful and I plan on showing you just how I adore you so you better get used to me saying it''

She smiled at the honesty and love she saw in his eyes and kissed him, with a tenderness she hoped would become more familiar. Slowly the passion began to flare again and he lay her down on the bed. She watched as undid his buckle and stepped out of his trousers before joining her. He began kissing her again but quickly trailing along her jaw, down her neck and her chest. He looked at her for permission and she lifted herself, letting him remove her bra. He could the doubt flash across her eyes.

''Elsie you are beautiful''

He began his gentle assault and her breasts. Elsie couldn't do anything other than moan but soon the feeling in the pit of her stomach became too much.

''Charles,..I need you,..lower'' She spoke through pants.

He took his cue and began kissing along her stomach before running his fingers along her dampened panties. Elsie couldn't contain the loud moan that escaped. Charles slowly removed them and looked up at her for the final permission.

He was actually going to, Joe would never even consider it.

All she could do was nod but her surprise was soon replaced by the sensations Charles was creating with his tongue and fingers. It became too much and Elsie felt herself tense and release in the most wondrous cry of his name. She had never been the type to be vocal before but she just couldn't help herself. Charles lay down beside her, holding her close and tracing circles along her side as she regained her senses.

She turned to face but before she could speak,

''You can rest if you want'' Ever the gentleman.

''Now why would I want that when I can have you''

She giggled and he looked at her with quirked eyebrows.

''Sorry it's just that came out sounding just too ridiculous''

''Oh ridiculous, really?'' He was holding himself over her now, grinning like a Cheshire cat. ''and there was me thinking you desired me more than the world'' He spoke with the inflated air of a second rate Shakespearean actor.

Their easy banter giving her the confidence she needed to say what she really felt.

''Ah well its simple really; make love to me''

She hoped he wouldn't mistake her jokey tone for lack of desire. Thankfully that wasn't the case and with a bit of fumbling they removed his boxers, finally revealing him to her. He took her breath away and she couldn't help but reach out and stroke the full length of him eliciting a throaty groan from him.

''Elsie, you really don't know what you do to me, but you won't be long finding out if you keep that up''

''I thought the whole point was keeping that up''

''Oh you are a cheeky thing'' With that he pinned her hands behind her head and kissed her smirking lips. Elsie widened her legs, granting him the final permission he needed.

He entered her slowly at first, letting her get used to him. Gradually he began to set a steady rhythm and Elsie could feel the heat pooling within her again. She could tell he was getting closer as his movements were becoming more frenzied.

I've never had it twice before anyways so it won't be a big deal if he finishes before I get a chance.

To Elsie's complete surprise, Charles brought his hand between them, massaging her bundle of nerves, sending her over the edge once more. With one more thrust, he joined her, moaning her name.

As he lay on top of her, Elsie couldn't help but revel in the feel of him. He made her feel safe. She felt him start to rouse himself, he lay beside her, pulling her in close and sleepily kissing the top of her head. It was a feeling of tenderness that she wasn't used to.

''I love you, Charles''

''I love you too''

With that he pulled the blanket up over them and instantly fell fast asleep, still holding her tight against him.

Maybe I could get used to this.

So what did you think?

I may write an epilogue but I am not fully decided on that.

Thanks for reading.

:D